What is in news : Recently  Prime Minister has inaugurated various projects in Somnath, Gujarat under PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme

ABOUT :

• Introduced in 2015
• Focuses on identifying and developing the pilgrim sites across the country to enrich the religious tourism experience.
• By Union Ministry of Tourism.
• Aims at integrated development of pilgrimage destinations in planned, prioritised and sustainable manner to provide complete religious tourism experience.
• Objectives:
  • Harness pilgrimage tourism for its direct and multiplier effect upon employment generation and economic development.
  • Enhance tourist attractiveness in sustainable manner by developing world class infrastructure in the religious destinations.
  • It also seeks to promote local art, culture, handicraft, cuisine, etc.
• Funding:
  • Under it, Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to State Governments for promoting tourism at identified destinations.
  • For components within public funding under this scheme, Central Government will provide 100% fund.
  • For improved sustainability of project, it also seeks to involve Public Private Partnership (PPP) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as well.